Michigan Shaken Baby Syndrome Lawyer
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) – also called Shaken Impact Syndrome — is a severe brain injury and a form of child abuse. Infants and very young children are the most susceptible because their weak neck muscles are unable to support their heads. The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome estimates that between 600 and 1,400 SBS cases occur across the country each year.
What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Shaken Baby Syndrome usually occurs when a person violently shakes a baby or young child, particularly when the child will not stop crying. The rapid shaking can result in a brain injury or worse if the child’s head hits a hard surface. Shaken Baby Syndrome is one of the leading causes of death and disability in babies in the United States.
Symptoms vary and are caused by generalized brain swelling secondary to trauma. They may appear immediately after the shaking and usually reach a peak within 4-6 hours. Because there is often no obvious evidence of violence or an apparent physical injury, SBS is underdiagnosed and may be confused with a baby’s fussiness or other cause, even by doctors and medical professionals. The following symptoms, mostly caused by brain swelling, may appear immediately after the shaking and which usually peak within four to six hours following the trauma:
• Cranial swelling
• Inability to lift the head
• Altered levels of consciousness
• Drowsiness and extreme irritability
• Breathing problems and irregularities
• Convulsions or seizures
• Vomiting
• Dilated pupils that do not respond to light
• Decreased appetite
• Cardiac arrest
A medical examination and testing may also reveal the following SBS-related conditions:
• Retinal hemorrhages
• Closed-head injury bleeding
• Cuts and lacerations
• Bruises and contusions
• Concussions
• Soft tissue swelling indicating skull or bone fractures
• Abnormally low blood pressure
What to do if your child is a victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome
Babies with SBS can experience short- and long-term injuries with lifelong health consequences. The most severe cases of SBS result in death due to increased pressure on the brain from swelling or bleeding, and a baby who survives SBS can develop disabilities, such as:
• Cerebral palsy
• Partial or total blindness
• Chronic seizures
• Behavior disorders
• Cognitive impairment
• Learning disabilities
• Paralysis
• Epilepsy
As a type of child abuse, SBS is 100 percent preventable. Besides parents and family members, the most frequent perpetrators are:
• Daycare providers
• Babysitters, nannies, and au pairs
If you suspect that your child is a victim of SBS, there are steps you must take to protect the health, well-being, and rights of your child:
• Get medical attention immediately
• Call the police or your local Michigan child protective services agency
• Collect any witness information
• Contact an attorney
The medical community considers SBS as a product of criminal abuse, and criminal charges can be brought against the person who shook the baby. Parents and guardians can also file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator on behalf of the child to recover damages and compensation for:
• Medical bills
• Continuing medical treatment
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death
Hiring a Michigan Shaken Baby Syndrome Attorney
If your child has suffered injuries or a tragic death from SBS, contact an experienced attorney at Sommers Schwartz today. Finding a law firm to handle a Shaken Baby Syndrome lawsuit is a big decision – maybe the most important decision you will ever make.
To learn more about how we can help you and your family, contact us at (866) 753-7774 to schedule a free consultation. The phone call is free, and because we work on a contingency basis, there no fee unless we win.
We fight hard. And we win.
News & Case Alerts
Read related articles and learn about recently filed cases.
Comments about Matthew Curtis from an Appreciative Client
Your efforts have changed my life, Matt. I’m forever grateful. My wife has tons of upcoming medical expenses, and we had both been working hard to make ends meet. I can’t thank you and your staff enough.
Praise for Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller and Matthew Curtis
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your hard work and dedication in handling my case. I appreciate your professionalism, your compassion, and your perseverance throughout this challenging process. You have gone above and beyond to protect my rights, to defend my interests, and to secure a favorable…
Praise for Wage & Overtime Pay Attorney Jesse Young
Jesse Young worked an employment case for me that ended with almost 700 people getting their unpaid wages back. He and his team are incredible. From the first communication to the last, they never missed a single beat – consistent and clear communication, quickly replying to my communication, and always making…
A Client Talks about Andy Dragovic
My wife had an accident, tripping over a cable line that wasn’t buried. Andy represented us and were very pleased with the outcome. Andy was very professional, personable, and quick to respond to us, answering any of our questions or concerns. The whole firm was responsive to our concerns, and…
Praise for Dina Zalewski
The lawyers at Sommers Schwartz, P.C. were nothing short of amazing when I came to them with my medical malpractice case! Dina truly helped to put my mind at ease and because of her and her firm, I finally have closure and can begin my healing process! I just want…
Gratitude for Rob Sickels
When our world was shattered by an unexpected medical diagnosis, we were referred to Rob Sickels of Sommers Schwartz. What a blessing to get this referral as Rob listened to us with caring and compassion, spent all the time necessary to help us, was always honest with us about our…
A Grateful Client Talks About Dina Zalewski
Dina never lied to us and was very straightforward. I feel like she took me under her wing. She got me through something that I thought was going to be incredibly difficult for me to relive. Dina felt like a friend, somebody I could trust and look to for guidance….
About Dina Zaleski, Rick Groffsky, and Andy Dragovic
Dina, Rick, and Andy were amazing lawyers. They helped me through an incredibly difficult time in my life after losing my son. I wanted answers on why, and they helped me through the whole process and they got me answers. After I lost my son, I was severely depressed. Every…
Our Clients Say It Best
